OMG!!! I was super excited to have walked up on the My Black Is Beautiful Fit For A Queen Beauty Station at Kroger’s today. I have a habit of perusing the cosmetics section whenever I go grocery shopping. Whether I actually need something or not, somehow I find myself in this aisle. Ha ha! Well it definitely paid off today!!

The My Black Is Beautiful campaign is currently on a tour called “Beauty Fit For A Queen” and I’m sooooo glad they chose a few Houston area Kroger’s Grocery stores to work with. There were two ladies working the Beauty Station, Dena from LA and Venetia from Chicago. They did a great job of explaining the tour and the products.

There was a full self service beauty station for people to try on products. As I walked around I saw a picture of one of my favorite Beauty Bloggers and I yelled “Wow! That’s Afrobella!!!” Both of the ladies were pleased to know I knew who she was. Apparently, I was the first person to recognize her. I was shocked. I told then that I’ve followed Patrice for years. They were even more shocked that I knew her real name, LOL!

Here are some of her top makeup picks from Cover Girl below

These are a couple of her skincare picks

Here are a few Haircare products

I hadn’t planned on covering a beauty event since I was grocery shopping. Unfortunately I was pressed for time and didn’t get the names of all of the products. Sorry.

The tour is going to several major US cities so hopefully you all will get a chance to experience it. For more info on Afrobella’s top beauty pics click here. If you’re in the Houston area they’ll be at the Tomball parkway Kroger’s from 2-6 tomorrow.

Macy’s has really done well with recognizing cultural events. This is second year in a row that I’ve attended their Black History Month event. Last year they focused on Romare Bearden. This year they focused on Gordon Parks.

This event was held at the Macy’s Galleria on Hidalgo. There was a nice set up displaying Gordon Parks’s pictures as well as a live musician.

I missed the beginning of the event because I was booked to do makeup for an event at Qwashae Boutique. I got to Macy’s towards the end of the panel discussion.

Each member gave info about Gordon Parks and how he made an impact on their lives. In this picture Rebecca Briscoe is speaking on how inspirational he was to have been so successful despite the racial tension that existed during his era.

To the left of her is Ray Carrington, he spoke very highly of Gordon Parks and emphasized how his early mistakes led to him learning lessons that allowed him opportunities to leave a huge legacy. He discussed how important it was for Gordon Parks to get to know people before taking pictures. Then there’s Joy Sewing. Unfortunately, I missed her speak, but I’m sure she gave a lot of good insight. She’s very intellectual and full of knowledge. I look forward to seeing her at events. On the end is David Parks.

Here I am with Rebecca after the panel discussion. I’m so proud of her success. We both grew up in the same home town of Port Arthur, Texas. Nice to see her doing well.

This gentlemen in the above picture was the host for the Gordon Parks event.

Above is David Parks, Gordon’s son. He shared a lot of great background information about his father, including how he and his brother approached their dad for assistance in producing the movie Superfly. He also spoke about how diversity is still an issue in the film industry. He urged film makers to work together and explained why family and the community and are keys to being successful.

There was a great turnout for this event.

I got a chance to sit down and talk with David Parks. He ‘s so personable and approachable. He was very patient and took time to talk with everyone and took pictures. He appeared to be just as happy to meet us as we were to meet him. I’m so honored to have had this opportunity.

There was a reception following the panel discussion in which Macy’s provided light refreshments and drinks. I’m so glad that I was able to attend this wonderful event. Kudos to Macy’s once again for putting on a fantastic showcase for Black History Month.

*I am a member of the Everywhere Society and Everywhere provided me with compensation for this post about Macy’s Black History Month. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own.*

Below is a picture of the Macy’s Banner that was used to promote the event. The artwork is by Romare Bearden. It’s from his painting The Lamp. It was actually featured on the U.S. Postal Stamp in 2004.

Below is a picture of Kim, owner of Lamik Beauty in the green top, and one of the patrons.

It was well attended and the guests really seemed to enjoy themselves.

There was live entertainment provided as well.

There was even a bartender there to keep the party going. LOL!

I’m so glad that we attended this event. I’d never heard of Romare Bearden before Macy’s recognized him. He played a major role in Art, Literature, and music. For more info on Macy’s Celebrates Black History Month and Romare Bearden you can go to the Macys.com/events